If you are more accustomed to observing or repairing cracks on the walls or ceilings of your home, it is imperative to monitor the appearance of cracks on the foundation of a building. In particular, those that are located outside your foundation and that promote water infiltration and the complications that this situation causes.
Find out what the consequences should be to repair the exterior cracks in your home’s flooring.
What causes exterior cracks?
While cracks, which can end up inside your home, are likely to occur when there is ground movement or defects in the concrete, cracks on the outside are usually caused by the weather. Since Quebec has a harsh and highly variable climate throughout the year — significant temperature changes during the same season are legion — homes and residences in the region are predisposed to developing this type of damage.
In addition, it is also possible that the weather conditions during the laying of the floor may have influenced the durability and good strength of the foundation and concrete. That’s why you have to be careful to choose the right time to pour your foundations.
Exterior crack: have you done the necessary checks?
After noticing an external crack in your flooring, you need to do a few inspections before calling repair professionals. By making a detailed description of your situation, you will be able to receive a more accurate estimate of the cost of the work as well as avoid possible unwanted surprises!
Inspect the inside of your home
The first element to examine in order to take the right corrective actions is the inside of your foundation. This is because it is possible that the outer cracks are symptoms of an interior crack. Foundation repair professionals do not always use the same techniques to seal these two types of cracks. That’s why it’s especially important to inspect all of your foundations in order to take the appropriate measures to repair them.
Superficial or deep crack?
If cracks appear on the exterior plaster, you can try removing a small plate to make sure that the entire wall is cracked, not just the plaster.
A two-step repair: sealing and waterproofing
Repairing an exterior crack requires a three-step process. Since part of your foundation happens to be underground, technicians will need to dig, using a mini-excavator, to clear the work surface and reach the problem area.
Seal the crack
It is then that the real repair begins. First, the expert team will clean the crack, and then they will open it to form a V. It is within this gap that they will have to apply fast-setting cement.
The subsequent crack can be sealed with a variety of high-performance polymer-based sealants. It must be elastic and flexible to be able to resist the movement of the ground.
Application of a protective membrane
A primer will then be applied to begin the second stage of the repair, which is the installation of a waterproofing membrane with a long life underground. This waterproofing of the flooring, the perimeter of which will be sealed with elastomeric bitumen, will be the only possible solution to contain potential water infiltration, and protect you against possible damage sometimes not covered by your insurance.
Call in the experts
The presence of cracks on the exterior walls of your foundation is as problematic as those on the inside, and can have significant consequences: water infiltration, weakening of the structure of your home, etc.
That’s why it’s a good idea to review the condition of your foundation annually. At the first sign of damage, contact foundation repair professionals . At Fissure Expert, we will be happy to direct you to the services that meet your needs!
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Longueuil, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières and many other cities.